By DANE LILLINGSTONE
THIS weekend Warwick will host a National Championship event of the Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA).
The event will be a first for Warwick Dragway and the only time this season ANDRA will host an event in Queensland.
Southern Downs Regional Council has hopped on board by committing over $17,000 to Warwick Dragway and the event. The council approved $10,000 toward resurfacing of the track and $4700 in community grants. They will also kick in a further $3000 to sponsor the event and promote the local region.
The council’s planning and development manager Cecil Barnard said the event was an economic opportunity with national exposure.
“The Warwick Dragway at Morgan Park is a favourite destination on the racing calendar in Queensland,” he said.
“Southern Downs Regional Council continuously seeks economic development opportunities, and by assisting Warwick Dragway and ANDRA, the Southern Downs is promoted on a national level as an ideal destination not only for motorsport but as a family-friendly place in which to live and do business.”
Warwick Dragway vice-president John Loy welcomed the investment.
“We’re over the moon and can’t thank the SDRC enough for their help. This investment will be put to good use to upgrade the facility and allows us to put on a great show,” he said.
Over 100 racers are expected to descend on Warwick Dragway for the two-day event.
ANDRA business development manager Jennifer Harrison said the council support was a boost for the event and drag racing in the region.
“The support shown by the Southern Downs Regional Council is very encouraging and will benefit Warwick Dragway well into the future,” she said.
“We will repay their support in kind with Speedweek cameras in town filming the event and putting a spotlight on the Southern Downs area.
“It’s shaping up to be a marquee event and we can’t wait to visit the region for the first time.”
Round four of the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series will feature Competition, Super Stock, Competition Bike, Super Compact, Supercharged Outlaws, Top Sportsman, Modified, Super Sedan, Modified Bike, Super Street, Junior Dragster and Super Gas at Warwick Dragway on 28 and 29 November.
The event is expected to air on SBS.
